New Delhi: The National Film Awards will be delayed this year due to the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. The awards ceremony will miss the May 3 date and will now be held after the declaration of results, when the model code of conduct ceases to be in force.

The information and broadcasting ministry noted that the selections for the National Film Awards are made by an independent, impartial jury of eminent filmmakers and film personalities and declared in April every year. This year, however, since elections to the 17th Lok Sabha and four state Assemblies are under way, and the awards also include one for the most film-friendly state, “it has been decided to declare the awards after the election process is over”, the ministry said. “This is to ensure that the power of the media is not used in such a manner which affects the general conduct and level playing field during the poll process,” it added.

The model code comes into force as soon as the election schedule is announced, and stays in force till the results are declared. The results for the Lok Sabha polls will be announced on May 23.